GAME DAY | Canadiens – Sabres: Preview, Prediction, Lines, Goalies, TV

Sam Gerber

6 years ago

Game Preview by Sam Gerber

Last game : MTL 3 CGY 2

After blown coverage in the Habs defensive zone, Calgary went into the first intermission with a 1-0 lead. In the second period, the Habs caught life and scored three goals in under four minutes. Jeff Petry got his first of the season. The Habs allowed the Flames back into the game but prevailed thanks to stellar goaltending from Carey Price.

For a complete game recap: Price Win Ties Roy for 2nd on Habs All-time List

Players to watch

Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Kotkaniemi looks like he’s here to stay. The points haven’t come but his passing percentage is through the roof. Taking on a Sabres team that is much different than last year, Kotkaniemi will be looking to score his first NHL goal..
Brendan Gallagher
Gallagher plays hard most nights and loves to play Buffalo. He will use his tenacity to get to the tight areas and park himself in front of the net.
Jonathan Drouin
After a dreadful start, Drouin has been much improved as of late and is now making better use of his linemates. Drouin has seven points in eight games this season with five of his points coming on the power-play.

Keys to Victory

Choose your shot
The Habs put up 40 shots last game, including 22 in the second period alone. Rather than padding shot totals with low percentage shots, they should make better choices.
Start quick
Habs have to strike quick to get the Sabres on their heels and not let up.
Get to the net
Montreal players must go to the net, especially on the power-play. Its not only a big part of their offense but it disrupts their opponent.

Matchup by All Habs staff
KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY \| October 25, 7:00 PM ET \| TV: TSN2, RDS, MSG-B
	2018-19 statistics
SABRES	2018-19 statistics	CANADIENS
10 (17th)	Points (rank)	12 (6th)
5-4-0	Record	5-1-2
2-2-0	Home/Away	1-0-2
5-4-0	Last 10	5-1-2
2.44	GF/G	3.25
2.78	GA/G	2.63
17.6	PP%	20.6
71.4	PK%	77.8
53.15	CF%	54.36

eSAT Analytics by Mathieu Chagnon

Projected forward lines, defense pairings and goaltenders
Forwards
Skinner – Eichel – Pominville Sheary – Sobotka – Reinhart Rodrigues – Mittelstadt – Okposo Berglund – Larsson – Girgensons	Tatar – Danault – Gallagher Drouin – Domi – Lehkonen Byron – Kotkaniemi – Armia Deslauriers – Peca – Shaw
Defensemen
McCabe – Ristolainen Dahlin – Nelson Scandella – Bogosian	Benn – Petry Reilly – Juulsen Mete – Ouellet
Out of the lineup
Scratched: Elie, Thompson, Beaulieu Injured: Wilson, Malone, Hunwick	Scratched: Alzner, Scherbak, Hudon Injured: Weber, Schlemko, Plekanec
Goalies
Carter Hutton	Antti Niemi

Record: 3-4-0 GAA: – 3.08 Sv%: – .909 SO: 0 Alternate: Linus Ullmark	Record: 2-0-0 GAA: – 2.88 Sv%: – .893 SO: 0 Alternate: Carey Price

What to Expect by Sam Gerber

Antti Niemi will get the start in this one. Niemi has struggled at times this season but has relied on goal support to pick up two wins. This is a game that the Canadiens will rely on their centers. The young Sabres forwards are a promising group but aren’t quite there yet. Could this be a game where the Habs control the face-off dot? The Sabres have won their last two games on the road in convincing style with Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner providing the firepower. If the Habs are able to shut them down and keep Rasmus Dahlin in check they should be in for a good night.

Highlights from the NHL

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2018-19 statistics